Syracuse football recruiting: Tyrone Perkins, first commit in 2015, says he can make a big contribution

Syracuse, N.Y. — Tyrone Perkins is the recruit nobody knows much about. At the time he committed to Syracuse on Wednesday night, none of the major recruiting services had him ranked. By the end of the night, he was rated as a high three-star prospect and No. 3 at his position in New York.

The running back from Friends Academy in Long Island's Locust Valley helps fill a priority position for Syracuse in the 2015 recruiting class. He has not received any other scholarship offers, but Fordham, Connecticut and Boston College have shown interest. It's probable with a 7-on-7 summer circuit and his senior season still ahead that his offer sheet will grow, but none came before Syracuse, and he returned that favor by becoming the first to verbal commit in this cycle.

"I know I can play at that level, that competition," Perkins said by phone Thursday evening. "I feel like I can definitely make a big contribution to the program. I'm just going to show everyone what I can do."

Having played football for most of his life, Perkins said he naturally developed the good vision and balance that has led him to average more than 11 yards per carry as a junior. Basketball, which kept him busy during the summer when many football recruits participate in camps and clinics to gain exposure, helped, too.

At Syracuse he will be asked to do it all, and his skill set fits into what the Orange wants to accomplish on offense. Tempo is considered an equalizer for offenses who might otherwise be at a disadvantage with personnel. And that will be a huge element in George McDonald's offense moving forward.

"They're telling me how on offense they want to wear teams down, get them tired with a quick-paced offense," said Perkins, who visited campus earlier this week and attended practice. "That's with speed backs and backs who can get out in the flat and catch the ball, gain some yards. That's something I can do. Talking about playing time, that made a big part in my decision, too." Syracuse loses multiple running backs after next season.

But it did not have to take much to sell the 6-foot, 190-pound Perkins on Syracuse.

"When I was there, I just got that vibe it was the place to be," he said. "I loved the campus. I met some of the guys. They're all great guys. The coaching staff is great. I love what they're trying to do with the program, and I really think I can help out there.